Voice of the People: Columbus Day by Cynthia Bidney - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ APRIL ►
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events

Voice of the People: Columbus Day

By Cynthia Bidney , Grand Terrace Resident
October 15, 2014 at 02:36pm. Views: 34

Monday, Sept. 13, was Columbus Day. I have often wondered why we don't have that day off. Remembering my history books, it marked the coming together of two nations and the beginning of the Americas. I heard an argument on the radio yesterday. They were arguing about changing Columbus Day to Native American Day. This argument set me out on a search for the original intention of Columbus Day. In a country of diverse religious faiths and national origins like the United States, it made sense to develop a holiday system that was not entirely tied to a religion or nationality. Even though Columbus was Spanish, this was to be the new America. The first parade was in New York. The idea, lost on present-day, was that this would be a national holiday that would be special for recognizing both Native Americans, who were here before Columbus, and the many immigrants who were just then coming into the country in astounding numbers. It was to be about our land and all of its people. Harrison, the 9th President of the United States, and the President at that time, especially designated the schools as centers of the Columbus celebration because universal public schooling, which had only recently taken hold, was seen as essential to democracy that was seriously aiming to include everyone and not just preserve a governing elite. All schools of New York; boys and girls from public schools, Catholic schools, Hebrew Orphan Asylum, Barnard School Military Corps, Italian and American Colonial Schools and Native Americans from Carlisle Indian School of Pennsylvania marched in the parade that day. The sight of these children spoke loudly to the spirit of the original Columbus Day.

Related Articles

Casting Director, Shani Hamilton Thillet, Books Talent for Dameron Communications  
Photo Courtesy of: Shani Hamilton Thillet

By Greg Zerovnik, Contributing Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 564

“I am excited to leverage my extensive network of Inland Empire actors, dancers, and models to bring exceptional talent to advertising projects at Dameron Communications,” said Shani Hamilton Thillet

Moreno Valley Unified School District wins multiple communications awards, receiving special recognition for its Dual Language I
Photo Courtesy of: Moreno Valley Unified School District

By Anahi Velasco, Contributing Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 634

Left to Right: The Moreno Valley Unified School District team earned 3 CalSPRA Awards of Excellence and a President's Award. School Board Vice President Sammie Luna, Digital Media Specialist Isaiah Garcia, Director of Communications and Community Engagement Anahi Velasco, Digital Video Specialist Naival Cartagena, and School Board Member Justin Jackson.

Valley View High School honored as California Distinguished School
Photo Courtesy of: Moreno Valley Unified School District

By Anahi Velasco, Contributing Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 683

Valley View High School earns California Distinguished School Award

Upmost Barbershop Celebrates Grand Opening with Community Turnout
Photo Courtesy of: City of Loma Linda - Government

By Eric Montgomery , Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 801

We’re excited to welcome the newest member of the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce — Upmost Barber Shop!

Step Into the Old West: Why Travelers Are Falling for Pioneertown
Photo Courtesy of: Thomas Jackson of Redlands, CA.

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 933

Pioneertown, established in 1946, is known as a prime filming location and tourist destination, offering an 1880s-themed experience with its Old West style buildings.

Rattlesnake Season Returns to Redlands Trails
Photo Courtesy of: Redlands Conservancy

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 1080

As spring warms the hills and trails around Redlands, another familiar sign of the season is making its return: rattlesnakes.

Seasonal Cleanup Events Return to Moreno Valley This Spring
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 698

A person wearing yellow cleaning gloves wipes a glass window with a cloth, removing soap and water during routine household cleaning.
Mayor Ulises Cabrera is encouraging residents to embrace the season as an opportunity for a fresh start while taking advantage of City resources designed to make spring cleaning easier, safer, and more convenient.

Rattlesnake Season Returns to San Bernardino County Trails as Spring Warms the Region
Photo Courtesy of: Redlands Conservancy

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 799

As spring warms the hills and trails around Redlands, another familiar sign of the season is making its return: rattlesnakes.

Annual Springtastic Festival and Egg Hunt
Photo Courtesy of: The City of Moreno Valley Government

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 742

Get ready to hop to MoVal’s annual Springtastic Festival and Egg Hunt!

Annual Blue Mountain Festival
Photo Courtesy of: City of Grand Terrace

By Judith J. Garcia, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 755

The City of Grand Terrace is hosting their Annual Blue Mountain Festival event on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Children Suffering from Brain Injury Find Pathways to Recovery at Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Photo Courtesy of: Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

By Ross Goldberg, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 684

Children suffering from brain injury find pathways to recovery thanks to the highly-trained professional team providing care at Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’ s acute and subacute rehabilitation units.

No School, No Boredom: Teens Invited to Hang Out at Teen Hub This Spring Break
Photo Courtesy of: City of Colton Community Services Department

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 612

No school? No problem! Skip the boredom and pull up to the Teen Hub. We’ve got you covered all break long.

--> -->